It was Russia that proposed the idea of a “1,000 for 1,000” prisoner swap during talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

“I would like to emphasize once again and put all questions to rest: it was Russia’s initiative, proposed by the head of the Russian delegation, to exchange prisoners. I wouldn’t want anyone else to take credit for this initiative,” she emphasized. “I reiterate: this is Russia’s initiative,” Zakharova added.

The spokeswoman pointed to the fact that several other significant agreements were reached at the Istanbul talks. In particular, “the possibility of another Russian-Ukrainian meeting was noted.”

Source: Agencies